Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
Treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist diminishes the decrease in free plasma leptin during maintenance of weight
E W Iepsen1, J Lundgren1, C Dirksen2
11] Department of Biomedical Sciences and NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark [2] Department of Endocrinology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) help maintain weight loss by preserving free leptin levels and increasing PYY response. This therapy maintained a 12% weight loss for one year and may prevent pre-diabetes in obese individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulates appetite partly via soluble leptin receptors.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may prevent weight regain by maintaining free leptin levels during weight loss maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of GLP-1RA administration on soluble leptin receptors and free leptin levels during weight loss maintenance.
- To assess the efficacy of GLP-1RA in maintaining a 12% body weight loss in obese individuals.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 52 obese individuals after a 12% diet-induced weight loss.
- Participants received either a GLP-1RA (liraglutide 1.2 mg/day) or placebo for 52 weeks, with allowed meal replacements for weight maintenance.
- Measurements included plasma soluble leptin receptor levels, free leptin index, glucose tolerance, and hormone responses.
Main Results:
- GLP-1RA administration significantly reduced the increase in soluble leptin receptors by 59% and the decrease in free leptin index by 43% compared to placebo.
- The 12% weight loss was maintained in both groups; however, the GLP-1RA group experienced additional weight loss (-2.3 kg) and required fewer meal replacements.
- GLP-1RA treatment led to a decrease in fasting glucose, unlike the control group, and a higher PYY3-36 response at 52 weeks.
Conclusions:
- GLP-1RAs facilitate weight maintenance by mitigating decreases in free leptin and enhancing PYY3-36 response.
- Low-dose GLP-1RA therapy effectively maintained 12% weight loss for one year.
- GLP-1RA treatment shows potential in preventing pre-diabetes in obese populations.
Related Concept Videos
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Regulation of Food Intake
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...

